There’s something magical about crispy garlic butter potatoes—the way the edges crunch while the inside stays soft, fluffy, and buttery. It’s the kind of side dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance and leaves your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal, these potatoes are easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. And yes, they’re so simple that even your kitchen newbie cousin could pull them off without breaking a sweat.

Golden crispy garlic butter potatoes in a skillet

Why Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes Are a Must-Try Side Dish

The Appeal of Garlic Butter Crispy Potatoes

Crispy garlic butter potatoes are the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. The golden-brown exterior gives you that satisfying crisp, while the soft, buttery interior melts in your mouth. Garlic and butter aren’t just flavor enhancers—they’re soul food in a side dish. Using simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and fresh herbs transforms everyday potatoes into something that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Popular Variations of Crispy Potatoes

Crispy garlic butter potatoes are wonderfully versatile, and there are several delicious ways to enjoy them.

Pan-Fried Potatoes with Butter: This classic method delivers golden, crunchy edges with a soft, buttery interior. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight side.
Boiled Potatoes with Butter: For a softer, melt-in-your-mouth version, boiled potatoes tossed in garlic butter are simple, comforting, and flavorful. Ideal when you want tender potatoes without extra steps.
Brown Butter Potatoes: Cooking the butter until it turns golden and nutty adds a deep, rich flavor to your potatoes. This variation elevates a simple side dish into something a little more special.
Brabant-Style Potatoes: Slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside, these are traditionally cooked in butter and herbs. They’re perfect for pairing with roasted meats or a hearty family meal.
Loaded Variations: For a more indulgent twist, top your crispy potatoes with cheese, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even turkey bacon. It transforms a simple side into a crowd-pleasing treat.

No matter which variation you choose, these potatoes are easy to customize, letting you match flavors to your meal or mood while keeping that irresistible crispy and buttery texture.

Ingredients and Simple Prep Tips

Pantry Staples for Garlic Butter Potatoes

To make this dish, you don’t need a fancy list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds of Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pro Tip: Yukon gold potatoes give a creamier interior, while russets offer extra crunch on the outside. Either works beautifully, so use whichever is on hand.

Preparing Potatoes for Maximum Crispiness

Boil first: For pan-fried potatoes, boil them for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. This ensures the inside stays soft.
Pat dry: After boiling, drain and pat dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; it enhances the flavor as the butter caramelizes.

Cooking Methods for Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes

Pan-Fried Garlic Butter Potatoes

Pan-frying is the classic way to get that irresistible golden crust with a soft, buttery interior. Here’s a step-by-step approach to ensure your potatoes come out perfectly every time:

Boil First for Softness: Start by boiling the diced potatoes for 5–7 minutes until just tender. This step ensures the inside stays soft while the exterior crisps beautifully. Overcooking at this stage will make them mushy, so keep a close eye.
Dry Thoroughly: After boiling, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. Any excess moisture will steam the potatoes instead of letting them crisp.
Melt Butter Slowly: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3–4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Adding a teaspoon of olive oil can help prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle flavor.
Sauté Garlic Carefully: Add minced garlic to the butter and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic too much, or it may taste bitter.
Cook in Batches: Add the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly golden and crisp.
Season During Cooking: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika while the potatoes cook. This allows the seasoning to stick and enhances the flavor.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, toss with chopped parsley, chives, or thyme for freshness and color.

Pro Tips:

For extra crispiness, you can let the potatoes sit in the pan for 1–2 minutes without stirring, allowing a crust to form.
Experiment with garlic powder or roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes

Baking potatoes in the oven is perfect when you want a hands-off approach but still crave crisp edges and buttery interiors. This method also works well for feeding a crowd.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.
Coat Evenly: In a large bowl, toss potato chunks with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure each piece is coated well.
Spread on a Baking Sheet: Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Avoid crowding for maximum crispiness.
Bake and Flip: Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
Add Herbs at the End: Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary after removing from the oven to keep the flavors vibrant and aromatic.

Extra Tips:

Tossing the potatoes with a teaspoon of cornstarch before baking can create an even crunchier crust.
For a smoky twist, sprinkle smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder.
Using a convection oven helps circulate heat, giving even crispier results.

Boiled Garlic Butter Potatoes

If you’re looking for soft, buttery potatoes without frying or baking, boiled garlic butter potatoes are a simple and comforting choice:

Boil Properly: Place peeled and diced potatoes in salted water and boil until tender but not falling apart (usually 10–12 minutes).
Drain and Steam Dry: Drain thoroughly and return to the pot over low heat for 1–2 minutes to remove any remaining moisture.
Add Butter and Garlic: Stir in butter and minced garlic, allowing the butter to coat every potato piece evenly. Cook for an extra 1–2 minutes to let the garlic flavor infuse.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a soft, buttery side dish.

Pro Tips:

You can add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while tossing to add an extra layer of flavor.
These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty vegetable stew.

Tips for Maximum Flavor and Versatility

Mix Textures: For the ultimate indulgence, try combining pan-fried crispy edges with soft boiled centers. Start by boiling, then pan-fry for a few minutes just before serving.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar over hot potatoes for a gooey, savory layer.
Make it a Meal: Add cooked onions, bell peppers, or bacon alternatives like turkey bacon to make this a loaded side dish.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon gold or russet?

A: Absolutely! Red potatoes are slightly waxier but still work well. They’ll hold their shape nicely and offer a slightly different texture.

How do I make them extra crispy?

A: Boil and dry the potatoes thoroughly before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Using a little extra butter or oil helps achieve that golden crust.

Can I prepare these in advance?

A: Yes! Boil the potatoes a day ahead, store in the fridge, and pan-fry or bake them when ready. They still get crispy and delicious.

Can I freeze garlic butter potatoes?

A: While they’re best fresh, you can freeze boiled potatoes. Reheat in a skillet for best results instead of microwaving.

Conclusion

Crispy garlic butter potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a little bit of comfort, nostalgia, and buttery joy in every bite. Whether you choose the pan-fried or baked method, they’re easy, flavorful, and beginner-friendly. Bring this dish to your next meal and watch it disappear from the plate in record time.

Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes

Author: David Tag
Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy garlic butter potatoes with soft, buttery centers. A simple, beginner-friendly side dish that’s perfect for any meal, made with pantry staples and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Pan-Fried Method:

Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and pat dry.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add potatoes in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Oven-Baked Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss potato chunks with melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.
Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Boiled Garlic Butter Potatoes:

Boil peeled, diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and return to pot over low heat for 1–2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Stir in butter and minced garlic until coated. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Use a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while tossing boiled potatoes for extra flavor.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar over hot potatoes for cheesy goodness.

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.

Mix in sautéed bell peppers or turkey bacon for a loaded side dish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g